Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mean-life

Noun
/miːn laɪf/
Definition
The mean-life refers to the average time a particle, object, or system exists before it decays or fails.
Examples
  • The mean-life of a radioactive isotope is crucial for understanding its stability.
  • In statistics, mean-life helps in predicting the lifespan of various materials.
  • The mean-life of a battery indicates how long it can function effectively before needing replacement.
Meaning
It is a statistical measure that indicates the average duration of existence for unstable entities. In physics, it is often used in the context of radioactive decay, where it signifies the average lifetime of a radioactive particle before it transforms into another particle or element.
Synonyms
  • Average lifespan
  • Average life expectancy
  • Mean duration